Pennsylvania has quite a few requirements to get a rebuilt title (also called a “branded title”), including extensive documentation, photos, and an enhanced vehicle safety inspection. Fees are roughly $90, and the processing time for the new title is three to four weeks.
It’s a common misconception that a totaled car is a dead car. It turns out that’s not always the case. Under some circumstances, a totaled vehicle can be repaired and return to the road to drive another day. With a little bit of time, money, and patience, your totaled car can have a second shot with a rebuilt title.
The process for a rebuilt title in Pennsylvania is a bit more rigorous than in some other states, so let’s break it down. Read on for what you need to know about rebuilt titles in Pennsylvania.
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A rebuilt title
certifies that a previously-totaled car has been fully repaired to safe operating condition. Unlike vehicles with a salvage title, rebuilt title cars are legal to insure and drive. Generally, a car will have a salvage title (also called a “certificate of salvage”) before a rebuilt title. The state will issue the salvage title once an auto insurance provider has declared the car a total loss. Once you’ve completed all of the repairs, you can start the process of replacing the salvage title
with a rebuilt title. Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you plan on driving a totaled car again, you will need a rebuilt title. Salvage cars are illegal to drive in Pennsylvania. It’s legal to sell a salvaged car, but it might be challenging to find a buyer. Most people who buy salvaged cars are repair enthusiasts or collectors—not the general public.
There may be more of a market for a car with a rebuilt title, which certifies that the car has been properly repaired and is safe to drive. It’s the only way to legally drive, insure, or register a totaled car in Pennsylvania.
How to get a rebuilt title in Pennsylvania
Rebuilt vehicle titles are referred to as reconstructed vehicle titles in Pennsylvania, but the meaning is the same. Pennsylvania has more rigorous requirements around this process than many other states, so be prepared to fill out some forms and do your homework.
Apply for a salvage title
If you don’t already have a salvage title for the vehicle, you’ll need to get one. Here’s what you’ll need:
Times vary, but it can take three to four weeks to receive your salvage title.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Repairs can be done yourself or by a professional mechanic. Keep thorough records and receipts of all parts used during repairs. It’s a good idea to take photos of the process as well.
After all the repairs are done, you will need to get an enhanced safety inspection
at a DMV-approved Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) inspection station. The fees range by location but shouldn’t be more than $40. Make sure you bring all documentation and receipts from the repairs to the state inspection, as the inspector will check to make sure that all of the parts were purchased legally.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Pennsylvania title
Some of the documentation needed for a rebuilt title in Pennsylvania is pretty detailed, so have all your info ready and be prepared to spend some time on it. You’ll need:
The title for your salvage vehicle
This is a lengthy and detailed form, so make sure you read the instructions thoroughly!
Clear color photos of the front, back, and sides of the vehicle
The $51 fee for title registration
Mail the documents to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Special Services Unit, P.O. Box 69007, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9007.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Pennsylvania?
It varies on a case-by-case basis, but it typically takes about three to four weeks to receive a rebuilt title once the application process has been completed.
Once you obtain your rebuilt title, make sure to go through the necessary steps to register your vehicle with the Pennsylvania DMV. You’ll need to provide various documents to the DMV to do so, including your driver’s license, the vehicle identification number, an odometer reading, and proof of insurance.
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